Decision details

To consider whether the existing approach to freight movements in East Sussex, as set out in LTP3, needs updating and to consider HGV movements through Ringmer in order to respond to the petition calling on the County Council to introduce a lorry route network similar to the one in West Sussex.

32.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

32.2     Councillor Emily O’Brien, the Lead Petitioner for the petition calling on the County Council to introduce a lorry route network similar to the one in West Sussex, so that HGVs are redirected away from narrow local roads in our villages spoke to highlight residents’ views regarding HGV movements and their impact on noise, vibration, safety and air quality.

DECISIONS

32.3     The Lead Member RESOLVED to advise petitioners that:

(1) The existing freight routing network will be reviewed as part of a new East Sussex Freight Strategy which will form part of the County’s fourth Local Transport Plan; and

(2) A route study of the B2192 from Earwig Corner to the A265 at Cross in Hand, undertaken in 2021, has identified a package of measures which, if implemented, will seek to encourage those driving through Ringmer village to do so more sensitively.

REASONS

32.4     The current approach for the freight routing network in East Sussex is that as so few roads in the County are really suitable for HGVs, it is expected that the “A” and “B” roads should be available to carry heavy lorries thereby allowing them to disperse over the available road network rather than to concentrate them on selected roads. As the road through Ringmer is a B class road (B2192), heavy goods vehicles using this route are complying with existing policy.

32.5     The petition cites that the County Council should adopt a similar lorry route network approach to West Sussex, which encourages all HGV movements to be undertaken on A roads apart from access only, and that local access trips using all other roads must be made in accordance with traffic signing and these roads should be avoided as far as possible. The County Council is currently reviewing their Local Transport Plan, which will include the development of a Freight Strategy.